As the gleaming transporter pulled away from the Minardi factory at 7:30 on Friday morning, it marked the culmination of a monumental effort by the entire Faenza squad. Inside the trailer was the first Minardi Cosworth PS05, the team's 2005 Formula One car, and it was en route to the Mugello circuit, where it would undergo its initial shakedown test in the hands of Christijan Albers. All concerned were well aware that it was only the gritty determination of Minardi staff and the unstinting support of technical partners and suppliers that had allowed the team to complete its first PS05 chassis in time to take part in today's test session. Happily, the effort was well rewarded, the dramatic-looking new car running without any major technical issues, and accumulating a total of 204 kms during the course of its initial outing. Minardi personnel returned to Faenza at the conclusion of the test both pleased and satisfied with the day's events, but also focused on the task of completing the second PS05 chassis in time for next weekend's San Marino Grand Prix, the team's 325th event in Formula One World Championship competition.
Christijan Albers: "It was a good day, and I have to say, it was a terrific feeling to give the new car its first run. I would like to compliment the entire team. They did a great job to get the first PS05 chassis ready for today's test, and I was then able to cover a useful distance without any significant problems. I was also very happy with the performance of the Cosworth CR6 engine, which felt both powerful and responsive. We now have to start working seriously on chassis set-up, and clearly, we have a great deal to learn about the car. This means Imola is likely to be quite a challenge for us, but there's huge motivation and enthusiasm within the team, and I know that we are going to make progress."
Gian Carlo Minardi, Director: "Today, I think we can truly say, 'well begun is half done'. It was wonderful to witness the new car leaving the factory this morning for its first test. The PS05 is yet again clear evidence of the fantastic skills of everyone on this team, and there is still a sense of overwhelming emotion on such occasions, even after so many years. I hope that what I have seen taking place here in recent days will represent just the starting point for major achievements that everyone at Minardi well deserves."
Paul Stoddart, Team Principal: "It was a proud day for everyone at Minardi, particularly the design team led by Technical Director, Gabriele Tredozi, when the first PS05 took to the track at Mugello this morning. It represented the culmination of an enormous effort by the entire Minardi team, and marks the true beginning of our 2005 season. When one considers that the engine, gearbox, and entire chassis are new, and that so many systems are untried, the potential for teething problems was significant. The fact the car ran faultlessly, however, really sums up the efforts of the whole team – fantastic!
"Unfortunately, there was also a sad note today, as one member of staff who was absolutely critical to the completion of the PS05 could not be present to see it run. Sandro Parrini's father passed away this morning, and our thoughts are therefore very much with him and his family at this time."
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